After two successive cooler vintages in 2010 and 2011, 2012 marked a return to warmer times in Washington’s vineyards. This is reflected in many of the vintage’s rosés.

While there are numerous exceptions, the 2012 rosés from Washington reviewed below – with a couple Oregon wines sprinkled in as well – tend to be richer and more fruit filled than their predecessors from the last two vintages. 2010 rosés in particular were often marked by higher levels of acidity. Some producers managed to retain good acidity in 2012 despite the warmer temperatures. Others did not.
Overall, this is a time for excitement about rosés from the Pacific Northwest. There has been an explosion in production in the last several years as interest in rosé in the U.S. rebounds. Once thought of as cheap, sweet, pink wine, winemakers are now exploring the use of a variety of different grapes and styles, and consumers are responding. While often the prices – and sometimes the quality – have a hard time matching many of the wines coming out of, say, Provence, as I am fond of saying, they do have a bit of head start!

In addition to the new reviews listed below, I have also included those previously published as well as a few reviews from my work at Wine Enthusiast. Summer grows short. Drink up!

Lauren Ashton Cellars Rosé of Sangiovese Stillwater Creek Vineyard Washington 2012 $18(Excellent) The vineyard has changed from the 2011 vintage – Stillwater Creek instead of Red Willow – but the grape remains the same. A pale salmon color, it’s directly appealing with notes of cherry, wet stone, and spice. It has richness and texture but – even with the listed alcohol level higher than often seen outside of saignee-style roses’ (this one is not) - still manages to move deftly. 14.0% alcohol. Sample provided by winery.

Maison Bleue La Famille Rosé of Mourvèdre Columbia Valley 2012 $20(Excellent) A moderately aromatic, captivating wine with strawberries and cream, peppery spice, and abundant mineral notes. The palate is on the lighter side of medium bodied, dry with crisp, etched acidity that draws out on the finish. 100% Mourvèdre. Olsen Vineyard. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. 12.5% alcohol. 365 cases produced. Sample provided by winery. Reviewed July 17, 2013 NB: This wine only improves after a day of being open.